Steel brake lines, EBC pads, F1R exhaust. Front springs have an extended spacer for preload.
I don't know if the carburation was adjusted as I got it with the can. However, tt runs great, easily starts and no cold start hesitation at all. (and it has been cold!) I haven't been on a motorcycle in a few years so I decided to reenter with a smaller bike as I am short. This thing is a blast. Reminds me a lot of the 500 interceptor I use to have. May not be as quick, but this thing crusies at 85 indecated and I have seen over 90, not bad for a 250. I weigh about 180 as well.
Probably the worst part is the front brake but the lines and new pads have helped alot.
so far so good. quick and pretty stable. I am still getting use to it. Has a 140/70 on the rear, which is overkill. The suspension is probably too soft but it hasn't hindered me yet.
It is too bad they don't import these anymore. I think it is a much better bike than ex250 and newbies really need to start small, at least this one does.
Daytona filter,Slightly opened up airbox
Very sleepy until @7-8 grand then hold on about 50HP rear wheel.
Exxelent but very touchy took me a wile to do stoppies without locking front tire.
The best part of this bike,It turns ver quick and is fogiving if you get into trouble, I have had some mad slides in the wet but never felt out of control,I have never come off this bike.
Good little bike,But if you want to do a lot of miles buy a four stroke these things are to maintinence intensive.
Yoshimura slip on Toby steering damper
The power on this bike was perfect. The bike was very fast and had good acceleration but it was best at faster top speeds.
The front brakes on this bike were a little touchy but the rear brakes were absolutely perfect and the front brakes are very good for stoppies.
The handling on this bike was good when it was stock but I like the feel of a steering damper so I put that on. before the steering damper i liked the steering though. It almost feels like it has a steering damper on it. Great handling
This is the best bike I have ever rode. I have rode alot of bikes including ducatis and others and i would take the honda RC-51 over any bike right now
Orignal condition.
Max speed is not much just 130 K's.Power wise good.
according to the bike excellent, wekll you do need a little gear compression
excellent!!!!!
In heavy traffic roads best. other wise its kool and a nice ride but as i said earlier the max speed,well it does reaches a 145 K after a little modifications but still 145?
List the modifications on this bike: New Bridgestone BT39's F and R, New Front Pads HH and wavy disc, and new rear caliper and pads, New Orange screen and tinted orange headlight, Art Titan Race can, Indicators, Mirrors all custom stuff, splitfires
Well when i first got the bike it was quite flat but still punchy, it seemed to kick in around 5K, but now it joins you a lot earlier and can throw you off the back if your not concentrating. The police seem to keep pulling me over for my race can! it does sound nice though! 3rd still seems to be quite slow, compared to 4th which is pretty nippy! if your like me young and stupid and money to blow, get one, you can do loads to it!
The braking was pretty terrible at first, the arse end kept locking up on regular occasions! so i got new pads and that seems to have sorted the problem out! the wavy discs are great! tricky to master but are very ncie!
the rear suspension needs tinkering before it can go anywhere near a track, the front isnt too bad but sometimes dips into the bends a little more than what i would prefer!
Great little bike, its my pride and joy! and now has more security than fort knocks!
List the modifications on this bike: New Bridgestone BT39's F and R, New Front Pads HH and wavy disc, and new rear caliper and pads, New Orange screen and tinted orange headlight, Art Titan Race can, Indicators, Mirrors all custom stuff, splitfires
Well when i first got the bike it was quite flat but still punchy, it seemed to kick in around 5K, but now it joins you a lot earlier and can throw you off the back if your not concentrating. The police seem to keep pulling me over for my race can! it does sound nice though! 3rd still seems to be quite slow, compared to 4th which is pretty nippy! if your like me young and stupid and money to blow, get one, you can do loads to it!
The braking was pretty terrible at first, the arse end kept locking up on regular occasions! so i got new pads and that seems to have sorted the problem out! the wavy discs are great! tricky to master but are very ncie!
the rear suspension needs tinkering before it can go anywhere near a track, the front isnt too bad but sometimes dips into the bends a little more than what i would prefer!
Great little bike, its my pride and joy! and now has more security than fort knocks!
F1R RACE EXHAUST,uni racing filter
sleeps untill 7000 rpm,then theres about 40-45 hp on the back wheel,and can rev to 14 ,500 very grunty and zippy when its cold ,its a little rattly,but when its warm it purrs like a pussy does 120 mph (200 km/hr)
brakes are ok,inboard front disc works well
good suspension,steering good,good for high speeds
awesome!!!i can keep up with a FZR400 or a CBR250RR and race against the boyracers and kick their ass
Standard faired version of the Hornet, model 2002.
Very strong engine, since it's based on the CBR600RR. Good cold starter, it quickly comes to normality. I tried to push it to its limits on motorway to a 120 mph, but the Hornet, even faired, is not for speed. Fifth gear is the best. Several times it jumped between gears, but that's because you have to get used with the smooth gear shifting.
A real problem on motorway in my opinion. I have around 90 kg so I don't think that matters. Not the best brakes, and when reaching roundabouts I often had to push the brakes really hard to reduce.
Feels pretty easy to handle, the front wheel behaves very well in curves. However, the rear suspension has to be adjusted constantly to the road condition, as it can pose real problems. At 90mph, even trying to hide behind the fairing, the chest forms a wall against the wind. I sometimes had trouble breathing, so bad are the dynamics.
Generally a good commuter. Since I'm a tall guy, the riding position is not the best as it makes me feel ridiculously big and weighed down. A pain to keep the engine clean. The pilion's seat is really forwardly inclined, so sliding occurs easily when braking.
Bridgestone BT010 Front tyre and BT020 rear,Scorpion stainless racecan,crash mushrooms.
Excellent low-down torque for a 600 although it could do with a bit more up-top as power runs out fairly early on in the revs,User-friendly power though and a great first bike.
Way off form any Superbikes but they do the job and again are great for first-timers, Very soft front forks don't help, have fitted Carbone Lorraine pads front and rear which have improved braking.
16 inch front wheel is keen to turn in fast although feels uncomfortable and not very assuring when there,no problems with the rear.The front forks are too soft which is most noticable under hard braking.Great bike for back-lanes and B roads.
This is my first bike after my scooter and has been a great bike to learn on,very-user friendly and fast but just a few faults, such as the limited tank-range and soft front forks.Great bike overall though.
Bridgestone BT010 Front tyre and BT020 rear,Scorpion stainless racecan,crash mushrooms.
Excellent low-down torque for a 600 although it could do with a bit more up-top as power runs out fairly early on in the revs,User-friendly power though and a great first bike.
Way off form any Superbikes but they do the job and again are great for first-timers, Very soft front forks don't help, have fitted Carbone Lorraine pads front and rear which have improved braking.
16 inch front wheel is keen to turn in fast although feels uncomfortable and not very assuring when there,no problems with the rear.The front forks are too soft which is most noticable under hard braking.Great bike for back-lanes and B roads.
This is my first bike after my scooter and has been a great bike to learn on,very-user friendly and fast but just a few faults, such as the limited tank-range and soft front forks.Great bike overall though.
No modifications made to this bike, why tamper with perfection?
Mind Blowing power from a 50cc engine, oodles of torque and a frightening top end.Not much low down torque or power but screams into life at around 7-8 grand,the full 5bhp kicks into action making it hard to keep the frot wheel on the ground and control the bike.Magic!
Lightweight means that the brakes on this bike really bite hard and can often bring the back wheel into the air without prior notice.Could stop on a sixpence.
Excellent feed back from the front, which just encouarages you to throw the bike into your favourite set of bends,excellent rear end and handling that could match 250GP bikes.Awesome!
This bike really is FAST, and i mean fast, in the right hands it could outpace the latest Superbikes, blew a GSXR1000 away at a recent trackday and great around town aswell, this scooter really did surprise me, infact it's hard to believe that it really is only a 50cc automatic 'Twist and Go', and BOY DOES THIS THING GO!
Honda NSR 150sp (2001)
This bike has quite a powerban, but the bikes gearing is quite long so you don't get that instant zap.
The brakes on the HONDA NSR are extremely powerful and reliable, even just using the back brake brings you to a quick halt.
The handling of this bike is quite good, but because the bike is so light (around 123 kilos or something) the wind tends to make the bike straife fairly easily
the NSR is a very powerful and fast bike for its class, 1st gear is quite long, and acceleration can be controlled really easily by the rev range. The bike feels very good to sit on, but is fairly low to the ground. The Nsr tends to be a bit of a pain when not started for a week or more, but overall, a top buy for the price.
None
Masses of torque from any revs, below 6000 it makes the R1 seem tame. The fuel injection is spot on. In real world situations - that is without hitting the limiter, maybe only a Hayabusa would out drag this bike up to the ton.
Excellent power and feel.
Outstanding for such a heavy bike (220+kilos) Stable yet very predictable and flickable.
This is the best naked/semi naked bike on the road in my opinion. I have ridden most of the competition - Bandit 12, Yamaha Fazer 1000, Suzuki SV1000, GSX 1400, Hornet 900 - and the CB1300 is in a different league. The build quality puts even Beemers in the shade.
Hugger, Clock, Crash Protectors.
Power is good for a budget 600, you can go to work or keep up with your mates on their sports bikes, it does it all !
Feel good and they do the job, nothing to get over excited about but they are up to the job.
Handling is good for a budget bike, but I had this one new (last of the old model) so everything is still nice and tight. It helps that it has no big ugly centrestand to get in the way and dig into the ground on corners !
Mine was the last of the "old models" in 2003 and it was a bargain ;- for �3995 on the road it was a new bike that was hard to beat at the price. I am very pleased with it.
M4 exhaust, ignition starter set for aceleration
Great power for the year the bike was made. Is a V-Twin, and gets up and goes in the low RPM's. I don't know if its just my bike or not, but it takes a lot to warm and will grog on you when your riding if you don't have the choke on. (reminds me of my dirt bike)
I have to get new brake pads for mine cause they are worn out, but it brakes great. You get hard on the brakes and the bike stops almost immediately.
Great handling, the bike is only about 400lbs maybe less. You can take this bike out to the track and through it around all you want. Great in the corners, alittle more power would make this bike really fast.
Great bike for starting out riders like me. Others who have a new 600 that goes 180mph this bike would be to slow for you probably, but good for new comers like me!
List the modifications on this bike NONE
any flat spots etc. Seamless power from idle almost to rev limiter. really only needs 2 gears, so that will be 1st and 5th then. Try pulling top gear in traffic, up hill at 25 mph / 1500 rpm on any other bike and you'll be in for a jerky ride, not so on the 1300, just pulls smoothly away to overtake most traffic. hit 6000 rpm and the world goes into reverse. One thing I do miss is the my old blackbird's kick in the arse when the revs hit 8000, on the Cb13 the power is on its way out by then. But then the CB13s power is far more real world accessible, without resorting to 120+ mph antics.
Feel, Strength with ex fireblade brakes and without the stupid linked setup, these brakes are superb for this class of bike. Bags of power and feel, Certainly far better than my old blackbird ones.
surprisingly good, ride and handling feels very similar to a blackbird, just got to get used to the upright seating position. A ZX9R rider got a shock yesterday on the twisty bits between Scarborough and Whitby and he was well up for the action.
I have only had this bike for a week but I love it. Far more enjoyable and practical than my old blackbird and a great confidence booster. There is a virtual cavern under the seat to put waterprooofs and stuff in, maybe in Thailand they might carry the wife and kids under there, it is huge. Truly manouverable and the weight just disappears above walking pace. U turns are a doddle. the only niggle is that it doesn't have a mainstand, making chain lubing a chore.
Honda NSR50R full power with Tecno Exhaust.
The bike can up into 100km/h easiest :) with delortho carburator diam"19,5 high carburation :(
Good braking but no disk in rear of the bike
Good handling but very short on low speed... turn around is hard...
Very good bike, industructible!!! A 50cc!! to try !!
List the modifications on this bike Stock standard
any flat spots etc. starting and acceleration are very good. the V-tech system gives this 400 boost when you need it
Feel, Strength Excellent. balanced and predictable. I am hard on rear brake pads 3,500mls on average.
excellent. 2003 model has superb handling
The handling braking and engine performance make this one of the best Naked options from Honda. Six speed transmission is smooth. superb engineering, Honda's weakpoint compared to Yamaha ugly exhaust system.
List the modifications on this bike Honda security system side protection bars Dunlop Tyres
any flat spots etc. Four carbs and fours cylinders. It starts and performs well.
Feel, Strength Twin disc front and single hydraulic rear are balanced and effective in panic braking.
The 2003 version was promoted in Japan as the best handling CB 400 SF manufactured to date. It does out-handle previous models. Very balanced
The V-tech system gives this bike the boost when you need it. it feels more like a 600. the engines design and performance confirms Honda's strength in well balance high performance engines. Only wealpoint? Same as the CB1300 SF an ugly exhaust system.
List the modifications on this bike Honda security system side protection bars Dunlop Tyres
any flat spots etc. Four carbs and fours cylinders. It starts and performs well.
Feel, Strength Twin disc front and single hydraulic rear are balanced and effective in panic braking.
The 2003 version was promoted in Japan as the best handling CB 400 SF manufactured to date. It does out-handle previous models. Very balanced
The V-tech system gives this bike the boost when you need it. it feels more like a 600. the engines design and performance confirms Honda's strength in well balance high performance engines. Only wealpoint? Same as the CB1300 SF an ugly exhaust system.
None
creamy smooth, arm wrenching, hits limiter too easily
Unbelievable, with ABS hit them hard and you just stop, no drama, no fuss. Fault on mine means second visit to dealer, lever comes near bar at first application OK on second, brakes bled, no difference, wierd fault
Better than it should be, stands up when braking.
useable power, needs sixth gear, screen does not deflect wind enough, but great bike
None
creamy smooth, arm wrenching, hits limiter too easily
Unbelievable, with ABS hit them hard and you just stop, no drama, no fuss. Fault on mine means second visit to dealer, lever comes near bar at first application OK on second, brakes bled, no difference, wierd fault
Better than it should be, stands up when braking.
useable power, needs sixth gear, screen does not deflect wind enough, but great bike
micron exhaust. this pipe dropped the revs used at 100kph (60mph)by 500 rpm and adds about 7 hp.
smooth as melted butter . turn the tap on at 50kph (30mph) in top gear and it just pulls away, i can only imagine what it will do once run in.
front brakes are excellent, back brake is great but a lack of feel. this bike can be pulled up quickly on the open road with one finger only on the brake lever
handling is outstounding for a big bike, easy to throw from side to side, brakes well going into corners. and can be powered up coming out. in 30 plus years of biking this is easily the best handling bike i have ridden in the wet.
an absolutely outstanding bike, (mine is red and white)very retro and as an older rider it is how i remember bikes as they used to be. this bike though is definitely not for learners or riders that do not have a lot of experience. the wife loves it also.
Fireblade,2001 Digi Clocks adapted and fitted Rare Honda Centinary Paint job, only 50 made!
I own several bikes..RGV 250(track bike) R1, Gsxr 600, and this one, i Find this most fun to ride, the power delivery is excellent with the 4 stroke grunt, but to keep up with modern 600's you have to keep it in the 10,00 rev range
The Brakes on this are awesome, the front is so sharp that you have to be carefull how you touch it and the rear for braking on corners is perfect!
You can throw this bike in and out of the tightest bends getting your knee down with ease, no twith, no wobble (if your riding it right) A1 rating for handling
Out of all my bikes(road) This is the most enjoyable ride for me, i like it because its competetive with the new 600's and round the twisties you can keep up with anything! Im loving it!
OOPS - didn't see this section, put Hawk GT 650 review in with VTR 1000. MODS -Many in last 4 years. ( I bought new) cams, pistons, carb kit, exhaust, progressive /Ohlins susp.,GSXR front caliper kit, 5 gal English revere tank, corbin, RC 30 replica fairing
never any problem, cold start thru top . . after rebuild ( just fer fun) rear wheel power went from 45 stock to 60. noticable, but still a Hawk. mileage went from mid 50's to mid 40's. slight retune got about 5 mpg back. runs fine, no hesitation or surge. Shifting has become worse, seems to 'stick' in first at lights, can't get into 'N ', then 2nd untill moving
Original Hawk NT 650 single disc did well in magazine tests, equal CBR in brake distance . . . put on new GSXR caliper kit plus F3 master cyl - noticably improved ' feel at near max - max braking.
Hawks originally noted for soft suspension - progressive fork springs stiffened up front, without any harshness over small potholes. new shock had similar result. good improvement. light, agile bike.
Hawk NT 650 is now sortof a cult bike. Still does OK racing much newer SV 650 types. . . thou mine is totally street. Best feature - easilly modified if ya want. engine limited to about 70 HP max, then cranks start to crack, so they say. My best mod - the Revere 5 gal tank - 200 miles before reserve is great !! - short range a common Honda problem, see VTR 1000, which badly needed 5.5 gal tank plus midrange retune. 120 mile range on 'sport/tour bike' is pathetic.
Brand name battery, smaller rear turn signals, previous owner put in a different cam shaft and exhaust.
Excellent bike. Real power comes from around 4k+, but otherwise very fast. 've kept up with Ducati 748, Kawi zxr1200r, and a Suzuki SV650. Not bad for an older bike!!!
Steel brake lines would be nice!
Excellent handling. Nothing really to compare to at this moment, this was my beginner bike.
Excellent bike for a beginner of my size and type. I'm 5'9" around 180. The bike fit me just about perfectly and I loved ridding it. If you can get one at a decent price <$1k, but it up...like I said...perfect for beginner! Also, it got a 8.5 just because it's not new! :)
